Timing system having a high speed and a low speed gear train

ABSTRACT

A timing system for the programed control of washing, rinsing, draining and other processes in fully automatic clothing washing machines, dish washing machines and the like in which means are provided for executing a plurality of programs by suitably omitting some processes of a fundamental program.

United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,828,199 Sakai et a1. Aug. 6, 1974 TIMING SYSTEM HAVING A HIGH SPEED [56] References Cited AND A LOW SPEED GEAR TRAIN U E STATES PATENTS [75] Inventors: Yutaka Sakai, Takatsuki; Kazuya 2,391,718 12/1945 Lindemann 68/12 R X Kimura, Neyagawa, both of Japan 2,407,660 9/1946 Graham 68/12 R 2,608,252 8 1952 C d 68 12 R X [73] Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., 2,870,834 11959 S1220: .1 38/12 R Ltd., Osaka, Japan [22] Filed: Nov, 1, 1972 Primary Examiner-Robert K. Schaefer Assistant Examiner-William J. Smith [21] Appl' 302311 Attorney, Agent, or FirmStevens, Davis, Miller &

Mosher [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Nov. 5, 1971 Japan 46-88580 RAC June 20, 1972 Japan 47-62153 A i i System f h programed control f Washing7 rinsing, draining and other processes in fully auto- [52] US. Cl 307/141, 68/12 R, 200/38, matic clothing washing machines, dish washing 335/75 chines and the like in which means are provided for [51] Int. Cl. H01h 43/12 executing a plurality of programs by Suitably omitting [58] Field of Search 68/12 R; 200/38 R, 38 B,

some processes of a fundamental program.

8 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PAIENTEBAUB 61914 saw 02 0f10 PAIENTEDAUB B 4 3.828.199

sum on 0f 10 FIG. 5 I26 PAIENTED AUG 5 74 saw 'us or 10 FIG. 8b

FIG. 80

PAIENTED AUG 6 74 FIG. 9b

FIGQIO 9 K 8 K 7 K 6 K 5 K 4 K 3 K 2 K v n CONTACT o X on o o O PATENTED AUG 51914 i bg lo mm .c mmmm :11 l Infill:

I [I -illE ii. i I: Iiiiilii m Q l iililillillii- I 1-11:1::Iiill O .m

sum '08 0F IO DID PATENTEI] RUB 5-1974 3. 828. 199

sum "09 or 10 "I Q1: 1: l I :IZ::

FIG. l3

FINISH START DRAIN TIMING SYSTEM HAVING A HIGH SPEED AND A LOW SPEED GEAR TRAIN This invention relates to a timing system for the programed control of a series of processes including washing, rinsing, draining and spinning processes in fully automatic clothing washing machines, dish washing machines and the like.

Prior art systems of this kind have been defective in that difficulty is encountered in the manipulation thereof due to the fact that a plurality of programs are incorporated in one rotation of a time switch and the number of programs that can be incorporated is also limited. In a fully automatic clothing washing machine employing such a prior art system, therefore, it has been frequently required to change the washing cycle as desired by manipulating the time switch during washing. Consequently, the washing machine has been unable to fully exhibit the fully automatic washing function. Further, with the present tendency toward the multiformity of fibrous products including utility articles and high-grade articles, the necessity for the proper selection of the washing process depending on the material of clothing increases more and more, and a variety of washing cycles including a cycle of washing alone and a cycle of applying a finishing agent during washing will be demanded more and more in future. In the prior art timing system of the kind above described, it is difficult to meet the above demands. In other words, the capability of incorporation of a plurality of programs and the ease of manipulation to meet these demands are not compatible unless some technical developments are made in the timing system.

With a view to solving the problems above described, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved timing system of rational and simple arrangement which facilitates remarkably the manipulation for the selection of a desired program and improves the versatility of operation of fully automatic washing machines.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a timing system which can be easily and reliably started in response to the selection of a desired program thereby simplifying the manipulation for the execution of the desired program.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a timing system in which a suitable combination of a plurality of program selecting push buttons can provide a largest possible number of programs in spite of the fact that the number of such push buttons is relatively small. It is intended to further improve the effect of combination by rationalizing the manner of combination of these push buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a timing system in which mechanical means and electrical circuit means are provided for omitting some processes of a fundamental program and are adapted to be actuated by the same electromagnetically operated means so as to simplify the structure of fully automatic washing machines.

The timing system having these features is suitable for use in fully automatic clothing washing machines, dish washing machines and the like and contributes to the simplicity of manipulation of these automatic washing machines and to the variety of programs.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section of a fully automatic washing machine equipped with a timing system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing the basic structure of parts of the timing system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation showing the practical structure of a time switch;

FIG. 4' is a vertical section of the time switch shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section of a electromagnetic clutch in the deenergized state;

FIGS. 6a and 6b are a top plan view and a vertical section respectively of a one-way clutch;

FIGS. 7a and 7b are a front elevation and a side elevation respectively showing the structure of a select switch;

FIGS. 8a, 8b and show schematically the operation of the select switch in response to the depression. of push buttons;

FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c show schematically the manner of contact making and breaking in response to the depression of a push button of the select switch;

FIG.v 10 is a diagram showing the relation between push buttons and contacts of the select switch;

FIG. 11 is a program chart showing the manner of contact making and breaking in the time switch;

FIG. 12 is a program chart showing the relation between the push buttons of the select switch and the washing, draining, spinning and rinsing cycles;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation of a display dial of the time switch;

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of an electrical circuit in the fully automatic washing machine; and

FIG. 15 is a section of a contact mounting portion.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawing in regard to an application to a fully automatic clothing washing machine by way of example.

Referring to FIG. 1, tub l of a fully automatic washing machine is welded water-tight to a lower cup-like portion 2 by seam welding. The tub I is supported within a machine body 3 at four corners of the body 3 by suspension rods 4 and compression springs 5. The tub I and body 3 are provided with semispherically recessed portions 8 and 9 which are adapted to receive semispherical members 6 and 7 respectively so that the vibration of the tub 1 may not be transmitted to the body 3. Spring pins 12 and 13 extend through respective discs 10 and 11 mounted on the opposite ends of each of the suspension rods 4 so as to maintain the suspension rods 4 in the suspended position. Each compression spring 5 is compressed within a sleeve 14 between the corresponding semispherical member 7 and disc 11 for absorbing the vibration of the tub I. A motor 15, a drain valve 16, a solenoid 17, and a casing 18 containing mechanical means therein are mounted on the lower portion 2 of the tub I. A basket 19 is disposed coaxially within the tub I and is secured to an outer shaft 20 extending through the casing 18. A pulsator 21 is disposed at the bottom of the basket 19 and is secured to an inner shaft 22 which extends rotatably through the outer shaft 20 in coaxial relation with the latter. A pair of pulleys 24 and 25 are mounted on the drive shaft 23 of the motor and transmit the rotating force to another pair of pulleys 28 and 29 through belts 26 and 27 respectively. The pulley 28 is directly connected to the inner shaft 22, while the pulley 29 is connected to the outer shaft through a spring clutch 30.

When the solenoid 17 is energized, a rod 32 directly connected to a plunger 31 is attracted to pull a rod 33 thereby opening the drain valve 16. At the same time, a brake lever 35 and a clutch lever 36 which are pivoted to'the casing 18 by a pin 34 are actuated to release a brake 37 and engage the spring clutch 30. Any detailed description of the structure and arrangement of these means will not'be given herein as they form no part of the present invention, and their operation will be solely briefly described. The pulsator 21 is continuously rotating when the motor 15 is in operation. The basket 19 is rotated in response to the energization of the solenoid 17 and is locked against rotation by the brake 37 when the solenoid 17 is in the deenergized state.

A drain port 38, an air trap 39 and an overflow port 40 are provided on the tub I in water-tight relation, and suitable sealing means such as oil seals are applied to the outer and inner shafts 20 and 22.

Prior to the washing operation of the fully automatic washing machine, washing water is supplied through a water filling valve41 and a hose 42 into the tub I up to a predetermined level lower than the level of the overflow port 40. The water pressure is converted into an air pressure by the air trap 39 and this air pressure is applied through a tube 43 to a pressure switch 44. Upon detection of the fact that washing water is filled up to the predetermined level, the pressure switch 44 acts to deenergize the water filling valve 41, and the motor 15 is energized to cause rotation of the pulsator 21. As a result, clothing previously placed in the basket 19 together with a cleansing agent are subject to washing. After washing, the motor 15 is deenergized and the solenoid 17 is energized to open the drain valve 16 for draining, the washing water from within the tub I through a hose joint and a draining hose 45. In the case of extraction of water from the washing clothing, the motor 15 is energized while maintaining the solenoid 17 in the energized state for causing rotation of the basket 19. The water absorbed by the clothing is centrifugally separated from the clothing to be drained through many perforations 46 bored in the side wall of the basket 19. During rinsing, rinsing water is filled up to the predetermined level through the water filling valve 41 as in the washing process and the pulsator 21 is rotated. In this rinsing process, rinsing water is continuously supplied irrespective of the operation of the pressure switch 44 and the water used for rinsing overflows to be drained to the exterior through a hose 47 from the overflow port 40. The fully automatic washing machine operates with a plurality of programs comprising the combination of the washing, draining, spinning and rinsing cycles above described.

A pilot lamp 49, a knob 50 for adjusting the volume of a buzzer 171 described later, a sensitive water level adjusting knob 51 for the pressure switch 44, and a pointer 52 and a display dial 53 for a time switch 57 described later are disposed on a display panel 48 mounted on the upper part of the body 3. A select switch 54 is disposed in the display panel 48 and comprises a pair of push buttons K, and K for setting the rotating speed of the motor 15 and a pluraltiy of program selecting push buttons K to K 'A balance weight 55 is provided at the top of the basket 19, and a lid56 is provided to cover the upper opening of the body 3.

Referring to FIG. 2 showing the structure of the time switch 57, a pinion 59 mounted on the shaft of a timer motor 58 meshes with a pair of gears 60 and 61. The

gear 60 drives a gear 64 through a normal advance gear train including a gear 63 having a ratchet type one-way clutch 62. The gear 61 drives the gear 64 through a rapid advance gear train including a gear 66 having a ratchet type one-way clutch 65. The rapid advance gear train includes further a gear 67 which is actuated by an electromagnetic clutch 69 for transmitting rotation of the gear 61 to a follower gear 68. The electromagnetic clutch 69 includes an electromagnet acting as a relay means for controlling the make-break operation of aplurality of relay contact sets R to R When the electromagnetic clutch 69 is in the deenergized state, the roation of the timer motor 58 is transmitted through the normal advance gear train and gear 64 to a gear 70 so that amain cam 71 arranged to rotate in integral relation with the gear 70 makes the timing operation. The main cam 71 comprises ten axially spaced cam elements associated with respective contact sets T, to T On the other hand, when the electromagnetic clutch 69 is energized, the timer motor 58 drives the main cam 71 at a high speed through the rapid advance gear train. lnthis case, undesirable mutual interference between the two gear trains is prevented by the one-way clutches 62 and 65. The gear 63 in the normal advance gear train meshes with a gear 72 which drives an automatic reversing cam 73 for making and breaking another contact set T The timer motor 58 is a 24-pole synchronous motor which rotates at 300 rpm when supplied with a voltage of 60 Hz. The rapid advance gear train provides a reduction ratioof l/400 so that the main cam 71 is rotated at 0.75 rpm. Further, the normal advance gear train provides a reduction ratio of l/9 ,O00 so that the main cam 71 is rotated at 0.033 rpm. The automatic reversing cam 73 is rotated at 1.27 rpm.

The practical structure of the time switch 57 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The reduction gears rotated by the timer motor 58 are rotatably supported on shafts journaled at one end thereof in a casing 74 of synthetic resin material or on shafts extendins between the casing 74 and a metal plate 75. The automatic reversing contact set T comprises three contact strips 77, 78 and 79 received at one end thereof in a contact base 76 of electrically insulating material, contacts carried by these contact strips, and spacers 80 of electrically insulating material. The main cam 71 has a quick cam element 81 formed integrally with the ten contact actuating cam elements and is mounted on a main shaft 82 in such a manner that there is a slight backlash in the direction of rotation thereof. The main shaft 82 is rotatably supported between the casing 74 and a plate 83 of a synthetic resin material. The contact sets T to T are disposed in diametrally opposite sides of the main cam 71, and one of them comprises make contacts 85, 87 and break contacts 89, 90. The contact- 85 is carried by a resilient contact strip 84 and is normally out of contact with the corresponding contact 87 carried by a movable resilient contact strip 86. The contact 89 is carried by a stationary contact strip 88 and is normally in contact with the corresponding contact 90 carried by the movable resilient contact strip 86. These contact strips 84, 86 and 88 are fixed at one end thereof in respective contact bases 91, 92 and 93 which are held between the plate 83 and the casing 74 by being fastened thereto by screws 94. The movable contact strip 86 is normally biased by its resiliency toward the stationary contact strip 88, and an engaging member 95 engaging the cam groove of the main cam 71 is secured to the contact strip 86 together with the contact 90 by a rivet 96. The contact strip 84 is normally biased by its resiliency toward the main cam 71, and a stopper 97 is fixed between the casing 74 and the plate 83 at a position corresponding to the free end of the contact strip 84. The stopper 97 is fastenedin place in a manner similar to the manner of fastening the contact bases 91, 92 and 93. Thus, the contact 85 is brought into contact with the contact 87 (position a) when the engaging member 95 engages a non-grooved portion 710 of the main cam 71. The contacts 87 and 90 are disengaged from the contacts 85 and 89, respectively, when the engaging member 95 engages an intermediate groove portion 71b of the main cam 71. The contact 90 is brought into contact with the contact 89 (position b) when the engaging member 95 engages the deepest groove portion 710 of the main cam 71.

The quick cam element 81 is engaged by a quick lever 98 which is pivoted at one end thereof to the casing 74 by a pivot 99, and a torsion coil spring 101 which is engaged at one end thereof by a stopper 100 urges the quick lever 98 normallyagainst the quick cam element 81. The associated contacts of the contact sets T to T can be quickly and simultaneously actuated by the action of the quick lever 98 and quick cam element 81. This is because there is a slight gap between the main shaft 82 and the axial bore of the main cam 71 directly connected to the reduction gear trains in the direction of rotation of the main cam 71. Due to the provision of this gap, the quick cam element 81 follows the slow rotation of the main shaft 82 when the quick lever 98 goes up a slope of the quick cam element 81, but the quick cam element 81 moves instantaneously independently of the motion of the main shaft 82 when the quick lever 98 goes down past the crest of the slope of the quick cam element 81. A plurality of flange portions 102 are provided for mounting the casing 74 on v the machine.

The structure of the electromagnetic clutch 69 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. A coil 103 is wound around a bobbin 104 surrounding a cylindrical core 105. A shading coil 106 is wound around an upper portion of the cylindrical core 105 and a hub 107 is press-fitted within the cylindrical core 105. A shaft 108 extends rotatably and slidably through the central opening of the shading coil 106 and hub 107, and a spring 110 is mounted on the shaft 108 between a ring 109 and the hub 107 so that the shaft 108 is normally urged upward to force one end of a movable member or armature 111 upward. A weak spring 113 is disposed between the hub 107 and a thrust collar 112, and the pinion 67 shown in FIG. 2 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 108 and is engaged by a stopper 114 press-fitted on the shaft 108. The armature 111 is pivotally supported by a pivot 117 which is held between a frame member 115 and a supporting member 116. A block 119 of electrically insulating material is fixed to a portion 118 of the armature 111 and a stopper 121 of nonmagnetic material engages another portion of the armature 111. A plurality of contact bases 122, 123 and 124 supporting one end of the contact strips carrying the relay contact sets R to R are firmly held between the supporting member 116 and a holding plate 125 and the supporting member 116 is caulked at a portion 126. A screw 127 fastens the stopper 121 and supporting member 116 to the frame member 115.

Rotating force is transmitted to the gear 61 from the gear 59 mounted on the drive shaft of the timer motor 58. In the deenergized state of the coil 103, the pinion 67 is not in meshing engagement with the gear 61 and no rotating force is transmitted to the pinion 67. In response to the energization of the coil 103, the armature 111 is attracted to the core 105 so that the insulator block 119 urges the intermediate contact strip to change over the contact sets R to R and at the same time, the shaft 108 is urged downward against the force of the spring 110. As a result, the pinion 67 meshes with the gear 61 to transmit the rotating force to the gear 68. If the pinion 67 fails to mesh with the gear 61, the spring 113 is compressed and the pinion 67 makes sliding movement along the periphery of the gear 61. However, the pinion 67 meshes exactly with the gear 61 after rotation within one pitch of the gear teeth.

The structure of the one-way clutches 62 and 65 associated with the respective gears 63 and 66 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b by taking the one-way clutch 65 by way of example. A driving pinion 128 causes rotation of the gear 66 in a direction shown by the arrow. A pawl 130 is pivoted to the gear 66 by a pin 129, and a ratchet wheel 132 engaged by the pawl 130 is provided with a pinion 131 in integral and coaxial relation therewith. Thus, the rotation of the gear 66 in the direction shown by the arrow causes rotation of the pinion 131 in the same direction thereby transmitting the rotating force to a follower gear 133. When, however, the driving pinion 128 ceases to rotate or when the follower gear 133 is rotated in the direction of the arrow at a speed higher than that with which it is normally rotated, the ratchet wheel 132 is rotated by the follower gear 133, but the pawl 130 slips on the ratchet wheel 132. Thus, the gear 66 is rotated always at the speed corresponding to the rotating speed of the driving pinion 128. In this manner, the pinion 128 drives the gear 66 in one direction only, and no rotating force is transmitted from the gear 133 to the pinion 128 even when the gear 133 tends to drive the pinion 128. A torsion coil spring 134, which is pivoted to the gear 66 by a pin 135, is anchored at one end thereof to a lug 136 formed on the gear 55 and engages at the other end thereof with a pawl 130 for forcing the pawl 130 against the ratchet wheel 132.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show the structure of the select switch 54. The select switch 54 is provided with a plurality of push buttons 137 labelled K to K which are pivotally supported by a pivot 139 secured to a bracket 138. A weak compression spring 140 is disposed within a slot of each push button 137 for normally urging the push button 137 lightly against an abutment member 141 so as to prevent shaking movement of the push button 137. The bracket 138 is secured to a mounting base 143 by screws 142. A frame member 144 is secured at its lug portions 145 to the mounting base 143, and a casing 146 is mounted at its lug portions 147 to the frame member 144. The abutment member 141 is vertically movably disposed between the frame member 144 and the casing 146 and is normally urged upward by a spring 149 through a member 148 of electrically insulating material. The connection diagram of the select switch 54 is shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. shows the relation between the push buttons K to K and contact sets S to S The push buttons K and K are provided for actuating the contacts of the contact sets 8, to S contained within a casing 150 The contact sets S to S are each constructed so that a movable contact strip 151 is urged toward a stationary contact strip 151' to close the contacts in response to the depression of the corresponding push button 137. A locking member 152 is provided with engaging portions 154 one of which engages a projection 153 of the abutment member 141 in the depressed position of the specific abutment member 141. When the projection 153 of the abutment member 141 slides along a slop 156 of a slide member 155, a block 157 of electrically insulating material urges a movable contact strip 158 thereby making and breaking the contact set S which is composed of the movable contact strip 158 and a pair of stationary contact strips 159 and 160. Spacers 162 are loosely fitted between the locking member 152 and the frame member 144 so as to prevent simultaneous engagement of two of the abutment members 141 with the locking member 152 when two of the push buttons K K and K or K K and K are simultaneously depressed. When only one of the push buttons 137 is depressed, the projection 153 of the abutment member 141 slides along a slope 162 of the spacer 161 and the abutment member 141 is locked in position by the locking member 152. A spring 163 is provided on each of the spacers 161 for normally urging the locking member 152 downward.

Referring now to FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c, theoperation of the select switch 54 in response to the depression of the push buttons K to K and K to K will be described. FIG. 8a shows the relative'positions between an engaging slope portion 164a of the locking member 152 and the abutment member 141a corresponding to the push button K and between an engaging slope portion 164b of the locking member 152 and the abutment member l41b corresponding to the push button K in the state in which the push buttons K and K are not depressed. The abutment members 141a and 141b are the same in shape, but the corresponding engaging slope 'portions 164a and 164b of the locking member 152 are different in shape, and the engaging slope portion l64b projects more than the engaging slope portion 164a. When the push button K is depressed in the state shown in FIG. 8a, the projection 153b of the abutment member 141b is naturally engaged by the locking member 152 as shown in FIG. 8b. Then when the push button K is depressed both the abutment members 1410 and 141b can be locked in position as shown in FIG. 80. The engaging slope portions 164a of the locking member 152 corresponding to the push buttons K to K are the same in shape, and the engaging slope portions 164b of the locking member 152 corresponding to the push buttons K to K are the same in shape. Thus, anyone of the push buttons K to K can be locked in position by the locking member 152 after anyone of the push buttons K to K has been engaged by the locking member 152. However, when anyone of the push buttons K to K is depressed after anyone of the push buttons K to K has been depressed and locked in position or when anyone of the push buttons 137 in one push button group is depressed after another push button 137 in the same group has been depressed and locked in position, it is apparent that the first push button 137 locked initially is released and then the second push button 137 can only be locked in position. Further, even when two or three push buttons 137 in the push button group K to K or K to K are simultaneously depressed, all of these push buttons 137 cannot be simultaneously locked in position by the action of the spacers 161.- I

The operation of the contact set S and contact sets S to 8,, relative to the' push buttons 137 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c. FIG. 9a shows the state in which the push button 137 is not depressed and theabutment member 141 is not locked by the locking member 152. In this state, the contact carried by the movable contact strip 158 of the contact set S is brought into contact with the contact carried by the stationary contact strip 160 due to the resiliency of the movable contact strip 158. The contact sets S to S are in the open position due to the fact that the movable contact strip 151 is in the position spaced from the contact strip 151. Then when the push button 137 is depressed, the projection 1530f the abutment member 141 engages the engaging slope portion 164' of the locking member 152 to urge the locking member 152 in the left-hand direction, and at the same time, the projection 153 engages the slope portion 156 of the slide member to urge the slide member 155 in the left-hand direction, with the result that the insulator block 157 forces the movable contact strip 158 toward the stationary contact strip 159 to close the normally open contacts and then the abutment member 141 is engaged by the locking member 152. FIG. 9b shows the state in which the abutment member 141 has been completely forced downward. It will be seen in FIG. 9b that the normally open contacts of the contact sets, are closed and the contact sets S to S are also closed. Then, when the force imparted to the push button 137 is released, the abutment member 141 is urged upward by the distance of the gap between the locking member 152 and the guide slot of the frame member 144 by the force of the spring 149 until the abutment member 141 is locked in position as shown in FIG. 90. As a result, the slide member 155 is urged slightly rightward by the force of a spring 166 to open the contact set 8,. However, the contact sets S to S are maintained in the closed position. This locked state can be released by depressing the push button K The portion of the locking member 152 corresponding to the push button K is not provided with the engaging portion 154 so that depression of the push button K restores the position shown in FIG. 9a.

FIG. 13 shows a fudamental program indicated on the display dial 53 of the time switch 57. According to the fully automatic washing machine of the present invention, the push buttons K; to K of the select switch 54 are selectively depressed to omit unnecessary processes of the fundamental program so as to obtain any desired program from a plurality of kinds of programs as seen in FIG. 12. Referring to FIG. 12, the processes indicated by the solid line representing the normal advance are actually carried out, while the operation is stopped during the portions indicated by the dotted lines representing the rapid advance and the pointer 52 is rapidly advanced in these portions. At the point shown by the symbol representing the alarm, a buzzer 171 is energized to tell the completion of the operation.

The operation of the fully automatic washing machine will be described with reference to FIG. 11 which is a program chart showing the manner of contact making and breaking in the time switch 57, FIG. which is a diagram showing the relation between the push buttons 137 and the contacts of the select switch 54, and FIG. 14 which is an electrical circuit diagram of the system according to the present invention. Suppose now that the push button K is depressed. Then, the contact set S, is closed in the position b and power is supplied to a line 203 through a line 200 and the contact set T in the position a to energize the coil 103 of the electromagnetic clutch 69. As a result, the normally open contacts of the relay contact set R of the relay 167 are closed and the timer motor 58 is energized to rotate the main cam 71 at a high speed through the rapid advance gear train. Then, another relay contact set R is closed to establish a self-holding circuit which supplies power to the line 203 through a line 201. Therefore, the rapid advance is continued even when the force imparted to the push button K is released to turn off the contact set 8, after the depression of the push button K Generally, the push button 137 is temporarily or momentarily depressed, but the closure of the contact set S in the position b is ensured by the fact that the push button 137, hence abutment member 141 is locked in the depressed position. The user cannot actually confirm the closure of the contact set S, in such position, but the user detects immediately when the push button 137 fails to be locked in position. In such a case, the user depresses the push button 137 again so that the operation can be reliably started. It is generally necessary to supply power to the coil 103 for more than about 30 msec in order to establish the self-holding circuit for the relay 167. The select switch 54 employed in the present invention is advantageous in this respect in that supply of power for more than 50 msec can be ensured even with instantaneous depression of the push button 137 thereby avoiding mal-operation. When the main cam 71 of the time switch 57 is rotated to the wash position in the course of the rapid advance in the manner above described, the contact set T is changed over from the position a to the position b and the selfholding circuit by way of the line 201 is released. However, the coil 103 is continuously energized by the circuit including the line 201, contact set S and contact set T in the position a to continue the rapid advance. In this case, the relay contact set R; of the relay 167 is in the open position and power is not supplied to a line 204 so that the washing machine is not in operation. The rapid advance is still continued through the contact set 8., even when the contact set T is changed over from the position a to the position b. Then, when the contact set T is turned off, the coil 103 and timer motor 58 are deenergized and the relay contact set R is urged to the closed position so that power is supplied to the water filling valve 41 through the circuit including the line 204, normally closed contacts of the pres sure switch 44 and contact set T in the position a. The water filling valve 41 is thereby opened to supply water into the tub I. The filling of water up to a predetermined level is detected by the pressure switch 44 and the normally open contacts of the pressure switch 44 are now closed to energize the timer motor 58 by the circuit including the contact set T in the position b and normally closed contacts of the relay contact set R so that the timing operation for the normal advance is started. At the same time, the motor 15 is energized by the circuit including the contact set T set in the position b, contact set T in the position a and contact set T and the pulsator 21 is rotated to start the washing operation. The motor 15 is a capacitor motor which is provided with four coils 15a, 15 b, and 15:1. The motor 15 operates as a six-pole motor when the coils 15a and 15b and the coils 15c and 15d are connected in series respectively. The motor 15 operates as a fourpole motor when these coils are connected in parallel. These coils 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d are connected in parallel and the motor 15 rotates as the four-pole motor when the push button K is depressed. A pair of phase advancing capacitors 168 and 169 are provided for regulating the phase angle of current flowing through the coils 15a, 15b and 15c, 15d. The capacitors 168 and 169 are connected in the motor circuit in the case of the four poles and the capacitor 169 is solely connected in the motor circuit in the case of the six poles. Further, when the push button K is depressed, the motor 15 operates as the six-pole motor and the rotating speed of the pulsator 21 is reduced. The push buttons K and K are selectively depressed depending on the quantity and material of clothing to be washed. After washing for 5 minutes, the main cam 71 takes the draining position and the contact set T is changed over to the off position to stop the supply of power to the motor 15. At the same time, the contact set T is closed in the position a to energize the solenoid 17 thereby opening the drain valve 16 for draining the water used for washing. Upon completion of draining, the contact set T is changed over from the position a to the position b to cause rotation of the motor 15 in one direction with the coils 15c and 15d serving as the main winding. Further, due to the fact that the solenoid 17 is in the energized state, the basket 19 is rotated to extract water from the wet clothing. During this spinning cycle, the solenoid 17 is energized by the circuit including the line 204, normally closed contacts of the pressure switch 44, contact set T in the position b, lid switch and contact set T in the position a, and the motor 15 is energized by the circuit including the above circuit and contact set T in the position b. Therefore, when an unusual condition occurs in the draining system and water cannot be drained, all the elements including the timer motor 58 cease operation except that the display lamp 49 is solely energized so as to avoid such a trouble that the basket 19 is rotated in the water. Further, the lid switch 170 is turned off in response to the lifting of the lid 56 thereby deenergizing the motor 15 and solenoid 17. In response to the deenergization of the solenoid 17, the brake lever 35 actuates the brake 37 with the result that the rotation of the inner vessel 19 is quickly stopped to safeguard the user from danger, and at the same time, the timer motor 58 is deenergized. When the lid 56 is placed in the closed position again, extraction of water from the clothing continues over the remaining period of time. The time switch 57 takes the rinsing position after the water extraction has continued for 2 minutes. In response to the rinsing position of the time switch 57, the contact set T is closed in the position b to energize the coil 103 and the rapid advance continues until the contact set T in the position b is opened. During this period of time, the rinsing cycle is not started since the contact set R is in the open position. The rinsing cycle is started as soon as the contact set T in the position b is opened, and the motor 15 is energized when water is filled up to the predetermined level as in the case of washing. However, the rinsing cycle differs from the washing cycle in that, even after the water has been filled up to the predetermined level in the tub I, the water filling valve 41 is kept energized by the circuit including the contact set T in the positiona and contact set T in the position a so that rinsing water is continuously supplied into the tub I and waste water is continuously drained from the overflow port 40. After the rinsing cycle has continued for 2 minutes, water is drained again for 2 minutes. Thereafter, the rapid advance is carried out for a short period of time, and then the clothing is rinsed for 2 minutes. Thereafter, water is drained for 1 minute, and then the rapid advance is carried out for a short period of time. Finally, another spinning cycle is started to extract water from the clothing for 3 minutes to complete theprogram. About seconds before the end of the spinning cycle, the contact set T is closed in the position b and the buzzer 171 is energized to tell .the completion of the entire operation according to the selected program. Upon completion of the program, the contact set T is changed over from the position b to the position a and no closed contacts are included in the line 201 connected to the line 200.

. depression of the push button K does not change the When it is desired to execute the same program again, the push button K previously depressed may be depressed again. In response to the depression of the push button K the contact set S is temporarily urged to the position b and the same program is started again. Another program can be executed by depressing another push button. When, for example, the push button K is depressed, the entirety of the fundamental program is executed due to the fact that none of the contact sets S to S is urged to the closed position by the depression of the push button K Depression of the push button K executes a program in which washing and rinsing cycles are slightly shortened. All the cycles ranging from the washing cycle to the final spinning cycle are executed by the depression of anyone of the push buttons K K and K and these push buttons K K and K may be suitably selected depending on the degree of fouling of the clothing. Depression of the push button K executes a program which includes the washing cycle alone. Depression of the push button K executes a program which ranges from the rinsing cycle to the final spinning cycle. The push buttons K and K are selected when the same washing or rinsing water is utilized for repeating the washing or rinsing cycle. Depression of the push button K executes a program which includes the spinning cycle alone. The depression of the push button K K, or K may be suitably combined with the depression of the push button K 'or K so as to select another program depending on the degree of fouling of clothing and material of the clothing. In this case, the desired one of the push buttons K K and K is first depressed for executing the desired program, and then the push button K, or K is depressed depending on the material of clothing. When anyone of the push buttons K K and K is depressed and then the push button K is depressed, the program executed is the same as when anyone of the push buttons K K and K is depressed. When the push button K is depressed and then the push button K is depressed, the program executed is the same as when the program.

The washing cycle alone is carried out when the push button K is depressed. In this case, the contact set T, is closed in the position b about 10 seconds before the completion of washing and the buzzer 171 is energized to tell the completion of this program. Upon completion of washing, the contact set T is changed over from the position b to the position a to energize the coil 103 so that the pointer 52 is rapidly advanced to the off position to prepare for subsequent operation. It will be understood that the contact set T which determines the end of the program including the washing cycle alone, energizes the buzzer 171 when the washing operation is ended upon completion of the washing cycle in the fundamental program, while the contact set T which controls the operation of the washing machine, energizes the buzzer 171 when the fundamental program is executed to the final spinning cycle. Thus, the number of contact sets can be minimized.

The push button K may be depressed when the user fails to depressthe proper push button 137 or wants to stop the operation. In response to the depression of the push button K the unproper push button 137 in the engaged position is disengaged and the rapid advance gear train acts to rapidly restore the time switch 57 to the off position. Needless to say, the operation of the washing machine is ceased during this period of time. Further, even with the depression of the push button K when the time switch 57 is in the starting position, the time switch 57 would not be started due to the fact that the contact set S, is not actuated.

During the period of time in which the rapid advance gear train acts to rapidly restore the time switch 57 to the off position, the coil 103 is in the energized state and the contact set R is in the closed position. Subsequently, the contact set T is changed over from the position b to the position a to stop the operation of the time switch 57. This changeover of the contact set T from the position b to the position a occurs within the period of time during which the contact set R is urged to the open position due to the deenergization of the solenoid 103. Thus, a self-holding circuit is established for energizing the solenoid 103 again through the line 201, and the operation is continued without requiring further depression of the push button 137. A- period of time of the order of 30 msec is generally required for the relay 167 until the contact set R, is opened after the deenergization of the solenoid 103, while the period of time required for the change-over of the quick opening contact set T from the position b to the position a is of the order of l msec. According to the present invention, a portion of the shading coil 106 extends upward above the core by a distance of the order of one one-sixtieth inch as shown in FIG. 5 so that, when the armature 111 is attracted toward the core 105 in response to the energization of the coil 103, the armature 111 may be engaged by the projecting portion of the shading coil 106 and may not be in contact with the core 105 thereby eliminating the adverse effect of re sidual magnetism. By virture of the above arrangement, the relay 167 can be restored within a period of time of less than 12 msec.

Further, as seen from FIGS. 15, 3 and 4, a metal ring 172 is secured to the stationary contact strip 84 of the contact set T together with the contact 85 to add a weight to the free end of the contact strip 84. Due to the addition of the weight to the contact strip 84, chattering occurs between the contacts 85 and 87 during the change-over motion of the movable contact strip 86 of the contact set T from the position b to the position a so that the chattering may assure the total break time of 40 msec caused by the chattering between the contacts 85 and 87 at the position a. Thus, the main cam 71 can be reliably restored to the off position.

What is claimed is:

l. A timing system comprising a cam means for controlling the making and breaking operation of a plurality of contact sets thereby controlling the timing of execution of a fundamental program, a motor driving said cam means so as to cause the timing operation by said cam means, a high-speed and a low-speed driving gear train for transmitting the driving force of said motor to said cam means, an electromagnetic clutch for releasably engaging one of the gears in said high-speed driving gear train for omitting a part or parts of said fundamental program, select switch means for selecting means for driving said cam means through said highspeed driving gear train, means for starting said motor for driving said cam means in response to the selective manipulation of said select switch means, means for driving said cam means at a high speed and stopping said cam means at the starting position when execution of said program is ceased, a plurality of switch groups selectively opened and closed by said cam means to control the duration of the high-speed driving operation, said select switch means including a plurality of select switches corresponding to said switch groups for establishing a circuit including one or more specific switches in said switch groups, and a starting switch temporarily closed in response to the depression of a push button corresponding to a selected one of said select switches, said starting switch being operative to complete a self-holding means for said high-speed driving gear train.

2. A timing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said starting switch is closed immediately before said push button is engaged after depression, and when the depressing pressure imparted to said push button is released, said starting switch is restored to the open position regardless of the relative position of said push button.

3. A timing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said select switch means is provided with a spring loaded lever arranged to be urged by said push button, a locking member slidable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of said lever, and a frame member supporting said lever and locking member, said frame member being formed with a slot extending in the direction of movement of said lever to allow for the sliding movement of said locking member so that, when the depressing pressure imparted to said push button is released, said starting switch can be restored to the open position regardless of the relative position of said push button.

4. A timing system comprising a cam means for controlling the making and breaking operation of a plurality of contact sets thereby controlling the timing of execution of a fundamental program, a motor driving said cam means so as to cause the timing operation by said cam means, a high-speed and a low-speed driving gear train for transmitting the driving force of said motor to driving said cam means at a high speed and stopping.

said cam means at the starting position when execution of said program is ceased, wherein said select switch means includes a plurality of switches for establishing individually different high-speed driving ranges so that, in response to the simultaneous engagement of two selected switches, a program comprising the combination of the high-speed driving ranges established by said two selected switches can be executed.

5. A timing system as claimed in claim 4, wherein a plurality of switch groups are selectively opened and closed by said cam means so as to set the duration of the high-speed driving operation and consist of a first switch group for omitting a part or parts of said fundamental program and a second switch group for carrying out specific cycles only of said fundamental program, said switch groups being arranged so that only one of push buttons associated with each said switch group can be depressed at a time, whereby, when only one of said push buttons associated with said first switch group and only one of said push buttons associated with said second switch group are selectively depressed, a program comprising the combination of the high-speed driving ranges established by said two selected switches can be executed.

6. A timing system comprising a cam means for controlling the making and breaking operation of a plurality of contact sets thereby controlling the timing of execution of a fundamental program, a motor driving said cam means so as to cause the timing operation by said cam means, a high-speed and a low-speed driving gear train for transmitting the driving force of said motor to said cam means, an electromagnetic clutch for releasably engaging one of the gears in said high-speed driving gear train for omitting a part or parts of said fundamental program, select switch means for selecting means for driving said cam means through said highspeed driving gear train, means for starting said motor for driving said cam means in response to the selective manipulation of said select switch means, means for driving said cam means at a high speed and stopping said cam means at the starting position when execution of said program is ceased, wherein said electromagnetic clutch for disconnectably connecting said highspeed driving gear train includes a cylindrical core, a shaft axially slidably disposed within said cylindrical core and carrying said gear at one end thereof, a coil wound around a bobbin surrounding said core, and an armature disposed opposite to the top end of said core for actuating said shaft, said coil of said electromagnetic clutch cooperating with a switch having its contacts made and broken in interlocking relation with said armature so as to constitute a relay which establishes and holds the circuit which drives said cam means at a high speed.

7. A timing system as claimed in claim 6, wherein a shading coil is mounted on the top portion of said core and has a portion thereof projecting slightly from the top end of said core so that said armature engages the l projecting portion of said shading coil while defining a slight space between it and said core when said coil is energized.

8. A timing system comprising a cam means for controlling the making and breaking operation of a plurality of contact sets thereby controlling the timing of execution of a fundamental program, a motor driving said cam means so as to cause the timing operation by said cam means, a high-speed and a low-speed driving gear train for transmitting the driving force of said motor to said cam means, an electromagnetic clutch for releasably engaging one of the gears in said high-speed driving gear train for omitting a part or parts of said fundamental program, select switch means for selecting means for driving said cam means through said high- 16 speed driving gear train, means for starting said motor for driving said cam means in response to the selective manipulation of said select switch means, means for driving said cam means at a high speed andstopping said cam means at the starting position when execution of said program is ceased, and a switch serving as a line switch of the entire electrical circuit during the operation of said cam means from the operation region to the stop region, wherein said switch includes a contact strip carrying a weight at the free end thereof so that chattering occurs in said switch during movement of. said contact strip toward another contact strip for preventing restoration of the holding circuit for said high-speed driving gear train. 

1. A timing system comprising a cam means for controlling the making and breaking operation of a plurality of contact sets thereby controlling the timing of execution of a fundamental program, a motor driving said cam means so as to cause the timing operation by said cam means, a high-speed and a low-speed driving gear train for transmitting the driving force of said motor to said cam means, an electromagnetic clutch for releasably engaging one of the gears in said high-speed driving gear train for omitting a part or parts of said fundamental program, select switch means for selecting means for driving said cam means through said high-speed driving gear train, means for starting said motor for driving said cam means in response to the selective manipulation of said select switch means, means for driving said cam means at a high speed and stopping said cam means at the starting position when execution of said program is ceased, a plurality of switch groups selectively opened and closed by said cam means to control the duration of the highspeed driving operation, said select switch means including a plurality of select switches corresponding to said switch groups for establishing a circuit including one or more specific switches in said switch groups, and a starting switch temporarily closed in response to the depression of a push button corresponding to a selected one of said select switches, said starting switch being operative to complete a self-holding means for said high-speed driving gear train.
 2. A timing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said starting switch is closed immediately before said push button is engaged after depression, and when the depressing pressure imparted to said push button is released, said starting switch is restored to the open position regardless of the relative position of said push button.
 3. A timing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said select Switch means is provided with a spring loaded lever arranged to be urged by said push button, a locking member slidable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of said lever, and a frame member supporting said lever and locking member, said frame member being formed with a slot extending in the direction of movement of said lever to allow for the sliding movement of said locking member so that, when the depressing pressure imparted to said push button is released, said starting switch can be restored to the open position regardless of the relative position of said push button.
 4. A timing system comprising a cam means for controlling the making and breaking operation of a plurality of contact sets thereby controlling the timing of execution of a fundamental program, a motor driving said cam means so as to cause the timing operation by said cam means, a high-speed and a low-speed driving gear train for transmitting the driving force of said motor to said cam means, an electromagnetic clutch for releasably engaging one of the gears in said high-speed driving gear train for omitting a part or parts of said fundamental program, select switch means for selecting means for driving said cam means through said high-speed driving gear train, means for starting said motor for driving said cam means in response to the selective manipulation of said select switch means, means for driving said cam means at a high speed and stopping said cam means at the starting position when execution of said program is ceased, wherein said select switch means includes a plurality of switches for establishing individually different high-speed driving ranges so that, in response to the simultaneous engagement of two selected switches, a program comprising the combination of the high-speed driving ranges established by said two selected switches can be executed.
 5. A timing system as claimed in claim 4, wherein a plurality of switch groups are selectively opened and closed by said cam means so as to set the duration of the high-speed driving operation and consist of a first switch group for omitting a part or parts of said fundamental program and a second switch group for carrying out specific cycles only of said fundamental program, said switch groups being arranged so that only one of push buttons associated with each said switch group can be depressed at a time, whereby, when only one of said push buttons associated with said first switch group and only one of said push buttons associated with said second switch group are selectively depressed, a program comprising the combination of the high-speed driving ranges established by said two selected switches can be executed.
 6. A timing system comprising a cam means for controlling the making and breaking operation of a plurality of contact sets thereby controlling the timing of execution of a fundamental program, a motor driving said cam means so as to cause the timing operation by said cam means, a high-speed and a low-speed driving gear train for transmitting the driving force of said motor to said cam means, an electromagnetic clutch for releasably engaging one of the gears in said high-speed driving gear train for omitting a part or parts of said fundamental program, select switch means for selecting means for driving said cam means through said high-speed driving gear train, means for starting said motor for driving said cam means in response to the selective manipulation of said select switch means, means for driving said cam means at a high speed and stopping said cam means at the starting position when execution of said program is ceased, wherein said electromagnetic clutch for disconnectably connecting said high-speed driving gear train includes a cylindrical core, a shaft axially slidably disposed within said cylindrical core and carrying said gear at one end thereof, a coil wound around a bobbin surrounding said core, and an armature disposed opposite to the top end of said core for actuating said shaft, said coil of said elEctromagnetic clutch cooperating with a switch having its contacts made and broken in interlocking relation with said armature so as to constitute a relay which establishes and holds the circuit which drives said cam means at a high speed.
 7. A timing system as claimed in claim 6, wherein a shading coil is mounted on the top portion of said core and has a portion thereof projecting slightly from the top end of said core so that said armature engages the projecting portion of said shading coil while defining a slight space between it and said core when said coil is energized.
 8. A timing system comprising a cam means for controlling the making and breaking operation of a plurality of contact sets thereby controlling the timing of execution of a fundamental program, a motor driving said cam means so as to cause the timing operation by said cam means, a high-speed and a low-speed driving gear train for transmitting the driving force of said motor to said cam means, an electromagnetic clutch for releasably engaging one of the gears in said high-speed driving gear train for omitting a part or parts of said fundamental program, select switch means for selecting means for driving said cam means through said high-speed driving gear train, means for starting said motor for driving said cam means in response to the selective manipulation of said select switch means, means for driving said cam means at a high speed and stopping said cam means at the starting position when execution of said program is ceased, and a switch serving as a line switch of the entire electrical circuit during the operation of said cam means from the operation region to the stop region, wherein said switch includes a contact strip carrying a weight at the free end thereof so that chattering occurs in said switch during movement of said contact strip toward another contact strip for preventing restoration of the holding circuit for said high-speed driving gear train. 